The crane still hadn't arrived, but the nearby armed police units were already on site.
Faced with the massive machinery, even the armed police were helpless. One team leader ordered, "Everyone, dismount! Proceed on foot!"
Seeing the armed police advance on foot, the police leadership immediately ordered the rest to follow. Ten kilometers remained to reach Xianfeng Town — not too far, not too near, but the proper resolve had to be shown.
Above, helicopters roared. Xia Zhengming saw the jammed police convoy and his fingers trembled with anger. This was premeditated — these people were beyond law.
…
Flames engulfed Xianfeng Town. Townsfolk spontaneously organized to fight the fire, but with only a few buckets and small hoses, their efforts were almost futile.
"These heartless kidnappers actually set the building on fire! They're utterly depraved!""Even if they survive the fire, I'd beat them to death!""Poor children… I hope they make it…"
The crowd, unaware of the truth, assumed the kidnappers had set the hotel ablaze and were furious.
Meanwhile, in Tashe Village, the printing factory also burned — all evidence of their crimes slowly destroyed.
…
"Cao Yang, are we going to die?" Xia Dongdong clung tightly to him, sensing death closing in.
"If the fire doesn't stop, we won't be far from it."
Cao Yang, holding the woman in his arms, could no longer enjoy the moment.
The hotel was only four stories tall. As the fire spread, Cao Yang led Xia Dongdong to the rooftop.
He considered jumping, but below were dense crowds — both from Tashe Village and Xianfeng Town. All harbored animosity toward them; jumping would mean instant annihilation.
On the roof was a large water tower. Cao Yang pried off the lid; inside was plenty of water. He lifted Xia Dongdong into the tower.
At first, it was tolerable — shielded from heat and smoke. But as time passed, the fire grew fiercer and the temperature rose. The water itself was warming, putting them at risk of being scalded alive.
"This won't do! We'll die for sure!"
Cao Yang climbed out, braving smoke and heat, and twisted soaked bedsheets into a rope.
"We'll die if we jump straight down!" Xia Dongdong crawled out, battered and exhausted.
"Better to risk it than be cooked alive," Cao Yang said.
He tied one end of the rope to the water tower, holding the other.
"I'll go first to draw attention. Follow me immediately — hesitate, and the rope will burn. You'll become roasted pork!"
"Cao Yang…" Xia Dongdong's eyes brimmed with tears — not from fear, but from gratitude. He was thinking of her even now.
"Don't be afraid," he said, ruffling her hair gently.
With that, he descended, sliding down through the fire.
"Cao Yang!" Xia Dongdong screamed.
At that moment, the roar of a helicopter reached her ears. Looking up, a police helicopter approached, lights flashing.
Tears of relief streamed down her face — her father had arrived, and they were saved. But Cao Yang had already jumped…
Aboard the helicopter, Xia Zhengming saw the flames and the dense crowd below, his face pale. He tried calling Xia Dongdong repeatedly, but the phone was water-damaged.
"Dad!""Dad!!"
On the rooftop, Xia Dongdong waved frantically at the helicopter. It was noisy, but the crew knew she was at the hotel and flew overhead.
Finally, she was spotted, and a rope ladder was dropped. Xia Dongdong grabbed it. She wanted Cao Yang rescued too, but screaming could not reach him.
Below, Cao Yang was surrounded by dozens — villagers from Tashe and locals from Xianfeng, all mistaking him for a kidnapper.
"Kill him!" someone shouted, inciting the crowd.
Cao Yang's eyes blazed. If he didn't fight, he would be dead.
A man swung a steel pipe at his head. Cao Yang ducked and kicked — the attacker flew several meters, knocking down others behind him.
There was no mercy this time. Those struck by him would not rise again.
The crowd swelled from dozens to hundreds, exhausting him. Some threw stones and bottles, striking him multiple times, drawing blood.
"Damn it! Why aren't you jumping?!" Cao Yang cursed. He hadn't run yet, waiting for Xia Dongdong — if she didn't get down in three seconds, he would stop caring.
Then, the whirring of the helicopter drew everyone's eyes skyward.
Cao Yang saw Xia Dongdong ascending the rope ladder.
"…."
His emotions churned — relief that she was safe, but fury that she hadn't saved him too.
Chen Yao Dong and his henchmen watched the helicopter take Xia Dongdong away. Their faces turned dark.
In their eyes, saving one or two made no difference — disaster had arrived.
Chen Yao Dong retreated with his valuables, knowing the tide had turned.
The enraged crowd below still shouted and rushed toward Cao Yang, unaware the situation was lost.